My name is Gabriela Gangel, I'm a junior in high school. A few things I love include being in nature, cooking, and playing music. A fun fact about me is that I can play the banjo. Before college I'd like to travel as much as possible, as well as work at maintaining a national park.
I transferred to Brattleboro this year, I previously went to Keene High. I chose Flex PE because I was drawn to the idea of a more flexible, independent class experience. I liked the thought of being able to shape my own projects, but I hadn't realized just how much this class would offer. It's unlike anything I've experienced before. One of the most exciting parts was getting to turn a vlog of my Appalachian Trail trip into a graded assignment. It was amazing to have that kind of freedom and support - it made me take on real responsibility for my learning. I have had to be more accountable for my time and choices, and that's helped me grow as a person.
The Flex Process and Structure
The process of a project starts by brainstorming in meetings, and completing an inspiration paper that marks my motivation and goals. From there, the project can take many forms. It's a student centered structure, and I've learned a lot about myself through it. We meet once a week on Tuesdays for around thirty minutes. If I miss that meeting, it's on me to reschedule, which has taught me the importance of follow through. The class runs on the 80/20 rule: 80 percent of the work is what I choose to do, and 20 percent is input from Ms.Thielen. That means I have to manage my own time, track my progress, and make sure I'm actively working on my projects. It also means that I have so much creative freedom while I'm developing projects.
Relevance to my Life
Flex PE has helped me build healthier habits and learn how to better take care of myself, both physically and mentally. From managing stress and improving my sleep, to exploring fitness routines that actually work for me, this class has made me more aware of my personal health. That's something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. I've developed a new way of setting goals, staying motivated, and taking ownership of my well being.